It was cool taking the walking tour in Richmond and learning some of the black history of the Southern city. Including about Bill "Bojangles" Robinson who was born in Richmond.

What I didn't get into much in the Washington Post story were the hotel and restaurants I went to. I really liked Croaker's spot, a warm and friendly Southern style place. Most entrees come with a "block of cornbread." My kind of place.

I went to the restaurant solo and immediately felt at home. The host seated me at a primo table near the window. The waiter came over with a friendly, "First time?" When I said yes, he said, "Loosen up your belt."

From what I read about the place, I wasn't getting special treatment. The staff treats everyone like this. It was fun. When I couldn't finish my seafood chili (delicious), the waiter commented, "If you could eat all the food here, we'd roll you out to the car in a wheelbarrow." I wouldn't want that. Take my plate away.

As for my hotel, I wouldn't say it was the lap of luxury, having last been renovated decades ago. But the Lindon Row Inn in Richmond had several good things to recommend it. For one, the historic inn has a nice feel to it, with an exterior walkway connecting the buildings that comprise it, although the rooms definitely feel dated.

It also had a crucial service that I took advantage of: free shuttle service within 2 miles. Since I'd taken the bus to Richmond from D.C., I used it the service to go to dinner and back. Very handy.

And, the inn is within a few blocks of the Maggie Walker house in the historic Jackson Ward.

At the end of my weekend, I ended up in trendy Shockoe Bottom for a couple of hours, waiting for my bus. I didn't like that. It felt like a jolt that brought me back to the present time. I had enjoyed living in another era for the weekend.